The 2011 Honda Fit Base trim offers several new features this year, including standard cruise control, remote entry, a USB audio interface in the glovebox and standard Vehicle Stability...
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The 2011 Honda Fit Base trim offers several new features this year, including standard cruise control, remote entry, a USB audio interface in the glovebox and standard Vehicle Stability Assist. Although four new colors are available, they essentially replace similar colors from 2010.

The Base Fit shares the same engine as the upgraded Sport trim: a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder with 117 hp at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The standard 5-speed manual transmission delivers the strong fuel economy numbers expected from a subcompact: 27 mpg city/33 highway, with similar numbers for the available 5-speed automatic.

Although the Base is the entry-level trim, some of its standard features might surprise buyers, including remote entry for the power door locks, power windows and side mirrors, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. The spacious interior of the Base can boost its cargo capacity with its rear Magic Seats, able to fold in numerous configurations to increase storage. The 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system sports 4 speakers (only two fewer than the Sport trim), as well as an MP3 auxiliary input jack and USB audio hookup.

Riding on smaller tires than the Sport (15-inch wheels with full covers vs. 16-inch alloys), the Base Fit comes equipped with similar safety features. In addition to the newly standard Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, the Base provides six airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and tire pressure monitoring. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure distributes the force of a frontal crash more equitably across the front of the Fit and the other vehicle, helping to secure the interior of the cabin and its passengers.

This year’s Honda Fit offers two trims: an entry-level Base and a higher-level Sport trim. Little has changed this year for the 2011 Sport, which now offers standard floormats as well a...
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This year’s Honda Fit offers two trims: an entry-level Base and a higher-level Sport trim. Little has changed this year for the 2011 Sport, which now offers standard floormats as well as standard Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control. Newly named colors for the Fit’s exterior replace comparable colors from 2010’s lineup.

The Sport shares its engine with the Base trim, a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 117 hp at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. While the Sport comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission (27 mpg city/33 highway), a 5-speed automatic is also available. Unlike the Base's automatic, however, the Sport’s automatic comes equipped with race-inspired steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Sport’s ride is eased with larger (16-inch) alloy wheels and the addition of front and rear stabilizer bars to the MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion-beam rear suspension system.

Other differences between the trims appear in their aesthetics. The Sport comes with a standard rear roofline spoiler, foglights and an underbody aero kit, as well as a chrome finisher on the exhaust. Inside, the Sport adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and map lights. Technology is upgraded as well, with a security system and 6 (rather than 4) speakers for the 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, which includes an auxiliary audio jack and USB port. The optional Honda satellite-linked navigation system—not available for the Base—includes a 6.5-inch screen and voice recognition, as well as adding steering-wheel audio controls.

Safety features in the Sport parallel those found in the Base trim, with standard antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, tire pressure monitoring, 6 airbags and the Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure to help insulate the cabin from frontal collision impact.